SANDPOINT — The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking field workers for this year’s count and reminding residents to reply to census forms.

The census got underway on Jan. 21 when the bureau counted residents in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay. In mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrive, residents can respond in one of three ways — online, by phone or by mail.

Census takers will be knocking on doors to follow up with households which didn’t respond to the 2020 Census questionnaires between May and July. Census takers will help collect responses only to the questions on the 2020 Census.

The bureau is seeking around 350 applicants for Bonner County and around 500 applicants for Kootenai County. It’s part-time work that has the possibility of transitioning into a full-time temporary position. Census takers’ hourly wage is $16 for either county and they are reimbursed for mileage.

“On average, a census taker in Bonner or Kootenai counties, working 25 hours per week, can make $3,200 in an eight-week period,” said Misty D. Slater, a media specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau in Idaho, Nevada and Oregon.

Qualifications for census takers include being 18 years of age, possession of a valid Social Security number, a U.S. citizen, a valid email address, and registered for selective service if born after Dec. 31, 1959. Census takers must also be able to pass a criminal background check, commit to completing training and be available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings and/or weekends.

Most jobs further require employees to have access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license unless public transportation is readily available. Access to a computer with internet with an email account may also be required in order to complete training.

The U.S. Census Bureau emphasizes that the results of the head count helps determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is spent locally for schools, hospitals, roads and more.

This is also the first census which allows those seeking field positions to apply online and complete their training online.

Visit 2020census.gov/jobs to learn more or call 855-JOB-2020.

Applicants can also text JOBS2020 to 313131 or call 800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.